I can't for the life of me figure out what the problem with the COTY-TOTY procedures are. Aside from the fact that Archie is the chairperson which apparently really bothers some people. Concessions have been made to allow anyone who wants to vote to do so. All it costs is 99 cents. The entire membership will be made aware of the opportunity in the next magazine. In my mind, mailing ballots to the entire membership wouldn't be cost effective since there are many who really couldn't care less what chips are nominated or chosen. Think about the last major ballot that went out to the entire membership. As I remember it, it was for a constitutional (bylaws?) change. Something that should have mattered to us all yet the return rate was pretty low.

I object to MY dues being spent to send ballots to people who don't care about the contest. If YOU want to vote, then send in the SASE and be glad that the opportunity was presented to you. Enough Already!

Anyone who knows me knows that I've made my share of comments and suggestions to the Board. I think what we all need to remember is that the Board or chairpersons have to look at the whole picture not just a small portion of it. They have to keep the entire membership's best interests in mind and sometimes that means not adopting every suggestion. We as members need to keep that in mind when condemning the process. (Or the persons involved in the processes.)

As for the comments about the Convention....

There are a lot of people who have already put in a great deal of time and energy to make the 2000 Convention the best yet. If you have a problem with the location, that's your problem NOT the club's. I happen to know the facts and believe that the Trop is the best place for the Convention this year. Sure beats not holding one at all which was the other option. If you don't want to attend at the Trop, then by all means, that's YOUR choice. We'll be there with or without you.

Belinda